POTUS Election thread

[Greyblades]

Worst, or least? The media coverage I've seen of her from anyone not right wing news has been pulling their punches.

[Hooahguy]

Anecdotal evidence is hardly enough.

[Hooahguy]

We also don't know how many primary voters would have stayed home if it wasn't for Sanders who, to his credit, has done a fantastic job in getting people excited about politics. I have friends on my Facebook page who not even a year ago didn't give a flying fig about politics. Now they are posting a lot about it, not just about Bernie but also other issues like climate change and the BLM movement.

Now the big issue is that the kind of politics that Sanders sold was a fantasy version where a wand can be waved and progress made. As these new people realize that politics is much harder than that some will become seriously disillusioned. We are already seeing that with the Bernie supporters who would rather see Trump elected than Hillary even though that would set back what Bernie stood for in a big way.

[Husar]

This is just so great:

[Hooahguy]

If the DNC had any brains at all (besides the whole email scandal) they wouldnt be bringing out these actresses to talk at the convention, they would be bringing out retired generals to talk about the importance of NATO and stuff and how bad it would be for our national security if Trump was elected. But they arent, so its yet another fumble in a long line of fumbles. This election isnt focused on social issues. Its focused on the economy and security and Im not sure why the DNC isnt focusing more about that.

[Fragony]

Well Hillary vs Trump it is, not that I particulary like him but please whatever not Hillary as it affects us Europeans as well. Trump is pretty harmless I think, he doesn't need any money from anyone as he's got enough to not need lobby's and oilstates. Hillary is scary. No you creep from invasion of the body snatchers, there is no old friend in the crowd so stop pointing that finger. Fake and oh so corrupt.

[Hooahguy]

Interesting that you say that Trump is pretty harmless for Europe, especially when he would basically wreck NATO.

[Fragony]

Interesting that you say that Trump is pretty harmless for Europe, especially when he would basically wreck NATO.

That a problem, Trump isn't interested in pissing of Russia, wants better relationships. The Nato is nothing without America, if America isn't taken for granted then maybe it's a good idea to start giving the military acceptable stuff. No joke, even special forces here who are about to be send somewhere have no ammunition to train with, they have to say 'bang bang' in shooting excersises, all extremily modern tanks were sold because they happened to be worth a lot and the government needed money to safe banks.

We aren't keeping our promises to the Nato, only a marginal part of the deal is met, Trump saying 'you are on your own now' is good. Enough freeriding, not so unreasonable imo

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Interesting that you say that Trump is pretty harmless for Europe, especially when he would basically wreck NATO.

He wrote "The Art of the Deal" not "Lafayette Go Eff Yourself."

What he wants is 1) votes from people who are tired of us paying for/bleeding most on the War on Terror, and 2) NATO to up its Funding for and troops deployed to the various NATO involved efforts including the anti- ISIL/ISIS/DASH/Whatever it is this week.

Threatening to wad it up and throw it away is his opening bargaining stance.

[Strike For The South]

Y'all seriously need to learn what "staking out a position" is. Read the art of the deal.

there are more Palestinian flags at the dnc than American ones. Why should any American vote democratic?

[Husar]

Yes, just like "Making America Great again", just wait for the final compromise...

[Fragony]

As I see it Trump is really apolitical, and has very little patience with those who are not. Especially now that the truly scary Hillary, false, fake, backed and funded by really dubious people, is the democrat's choice I really hope that Trump is going to win

[Hooahguy]

He wrote "The Art of the Deal" not "Lafayette Go Eff Yourself."

What he wants is 1) votes from people who are tired of us paying for/bleeding most on the War on Terror, and 2) NATO to up its Funding for and troops deployed to the various NATO involved efforts including the anti- ISIL/ISIS/DASH/Whatever it is this week.

Threatening to wad it up and throw it away is his opening bargaining stance.

Threatening to wad it up and throw it away might work for his business deals, but international relations is a whole different ballgame that Trump doesnt have a clue what hes talking about. In the current NATO mission in Afghanistan, almost half of the forces in theater are European NATO allies or partner nations. The other half are US forces. NATO allies have lost over 1100 personnel in Afghanistan, with the Danes suffering the highest percentage of casualties of any ally, even the US. In Syria and Iraq, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom (and soon the Czechs) are flying anti-ISIS missions. On the ground with advisers & trainers in Iraq preparing Iraqi & Kurdish forces, you have Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and soon the Czechs as well. In the Libyan operation, it was NATO allies who were leading, not the US. Last I recall, the Danish actually flew more missions and dropped more ordnance than the US did. Yes, the US takes the lead in most of the NATO missions because we have the biggest military by far. But thinking that NATO allies dont do their part is just false.

Since 2014, NATO allies have agreed to halt defense cuts and now many NATO allies are in the process of rebuilding their defense budgets and forces, even the Germans (though apparently the Dutch have a ways to go). NATO is probably the most successful military alliance in history because there wasnt doubt about if allies would come to the aid of others allies when attacked. Threatening to walk because you dont get everything you want is not a recipe for a healthy alliance. Trump has said similar things about leaving the WTO which would also be disastrous.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Threatening to wad it up and throw it away might work for his business deals, but international relations is a whole different ballgame that Trump doesnt have a clue what hes talking about. In the current NATO mission in Afghanistan, almost half of the forces in theater are European NATO allies or partner nations. The other half are US forces. NATO allies have lost over 1100 personnel in Afghanistan, with the Danes suffering the highest percentage of casualties of any ally, even the US. In Syria and Iraq, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom (and soon the Czechs) are flying anti-ISIS missions. On the ground with advisers & trainers in Iraq preparing Iraqi & Kurdish forces, you have Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and soon the Czechs as well. In the Libyan operation, it was NATO allies who were leading, not the US. Last I recall, the Danish actually flew more missions and dropped more ordnance than the US did. Yes, the US takes the lead in most of the NATO missions because we have the biggest military by far. But thinking that NATO allies dont do their part is just false.

Since 2014, NATO allies have agreed to halt defense cuts and now many NATO allies are in the process of rebuilding their defense budgets and forces, even the Germans (though apparently the Dutch have a ways to go). NATO is probably the most successful military alliance in history because there wasnt doubt about if allies would come to the aid of others allies when attacked. Threatening to walk because you dont get everything you want is not a recipe for a healthy alliance. Trump has said similar things about leaving the WTO which would also be disastrous.

Preacher, meet choir.


Trump, as most folks with business backgrounds, think that diplomacy as practiced is a silly waste of time and think they CAN do better deals by using the strategies known and familiar to them.

I said that was WHAT Trump was doing, not that it was a good idea.

[Greyblades]

[Hooahguy]

Preacher, meet choir.


Trump, as most folks with business backgrounds, think that diplomacy as practiced is a silly waste of time and think they CAN do better deals by using the strategies known and familiar to them.

I said that was WHAT Trump was doing, not that it was a good idea.

Sorry, couldnt tell what your position was...

[Xiahou]

Trump, as most folks with business backgrounds, think that diplomacy as practiced is a silly waste of time and think they CAN do better deals by using the strategies known and familiar to them.

I would just add that I really don't think Trump is anywhere near the successful business man he makes himself out to be. What he got was a big inheritance from his dad and what he is is a brand. He licenses his name to anyone who'll pay for it- that's basically his business model in a nutshell. His finances may be even worse that we think, considering his refusal to release tax returns.

Also, 'The Art of the Deal' was ghost written- Trump didn't write it.

[Hooahguy]

Okay, so that's the problem with the Netherlands then. Trump said he would hesitate before defending the Baltic states, who are striving to meet the defense spending goal (one already meets that goal and the other two are on the path to meet it by 2020). I would say they are working hard to be good members of the alliance. Should they be able to count on a reliable America to help defend them in their time of need? With what Trump is saying I think not.

[Fragony]

Okay, so that's the problem with the Netherlands then. Trump said he would hesitate before defending the Baltic states, who are striving to meet the defense spending goal (one already meets that goal and the other two are on the path to meet it by 2020). I would say they are working hard to be good members of the alliance. Should they be able to count on a reliable America to help defend them in their time of need? With what Trump is saying I think not.

All the better if we can't rely on America imo, the Dutch army is so short of supplies that they can't do anything. There is is plenty of really high-tech stuff but something as simple as bullets just aren't in stock. Almost all Nato countries are heavily underfunded and pretty much useless, deserves at least a raised eyebrow from those who keep their promises. With the money we give to leftist hobby's of NGO's we could easily meet Nato's standards. Less private jets and dancing people on arival of course but NGO's officials will get overi it. A drug should be developed that makes leftists see dancing black tribes and feel really good about themselve.Same for eurocrats, there got to be a way to make them think they are constantly shaking hands.

Nah, Trump for prez

[Hooahguy]

We aren't talking about the Dutch army though. Russia has no plans (that we know of) to invade the Netherlands any time soon. What Russia might do though is invade the Baltics should NATO fall apart. The Baltic states cannot defend their land all by themselves, they are tiny and have no mountains or other natural boundaries to help them defend themselves. Recently the Rand Corp did a war game study and they found that even with a full strength military, the Baltic states have at most 60 hours to withstand a full on Russian invasion. The Baltic states have put a lot of money into their armies but they are small. No real tank force to speak of because they can't afford it even as they increase military spending. They need NATO.

Now while personally I think it was a mistake to add the Baltics to NATO for the above reasons (and a few more), they are in the alliance now and we can't change that or kick them out.

[Hooahguy]

Made a poll. Results will show the day before the election. Seems more suspenseful that way.

[Hooahguy]

Well Trump won Pennsylvania so it looks like I owe you a thread Strike.

[edyzmedieval]

John Podesta went to the HQ and said they're not conceding yet.

[drone]

John Podesta went to the HQ and said they're not conceding yet.

We will have to wait until tomorrow to see her befuddlement.

It amazes me how incompetent the Democratic leadership has been since 2000. They could have easily thwarted the GOP in several of their missteps over the years, but have shown themselves to be nothing but spineless hacks.

CNN just gave Wisconsin to Trump. It's all over but the crying.

Edit-> Apparently Hillary conceded over the phone to Trump. Ding dong, and god help us all.

[Beskar]

RIP America.

This is the moment I wish NASA reveals a secret Earth evacuation plan and I accept their invitation.

[Husar]

Bing bing bong bong, just good that this doesn't affect me at all.
I hope he withdraws from NATO, that way we can also disband the EU and......
ALL HAIL COMRADE PUTIN!
Did you hear that Steven Seagal was given Russian citizenship by Putin?

[HopAlongBunny]

[Montmorency]

Bing bing bong bong, just good that this doesn't affect me at all.
I hope he withdraws from NATO, that way we can also disband the EU and......
ALL HAIL COMRADE PUTIN!
Did you hear that Steven Seagal was given Russian citizenship by Putin?

Also, a respectable reaction from the Fark comments:

We elected a black president twice. I truly believe that Trump supporters have concerns larger than only race. Dismissing them as solely racists is the kind of thinking that leads to losing an election you thought was in the bag eight hours ago. Sound familiar?

I think Trump voters feel like their jobs and opportunities are dwindling. They feel like immigrants, black people, and LGBT people are making all the progress and they are being left behind. We may disagree and argue over whether those concerns are justified, but you cannot challenge the fact that they have real concerns and that they act upon those concerns at the ballot box.

The Trump candidacy was as much a middle finger to the Republican party establishment as anything else. They sent a message. If Democrats stick our fingers in our ears and say "you're just a bunch of deplorable racists" we're missing the message again. They feel they are being marginalized and left behind. Dismissing them as only hateful racists marginalizes them and therefore proves them right. We can't act like they don't have concerns.

I'm not a Trump supporter. I voted for Hillary. But we Democrats aren't going to win in 2018 or 2020 or beyond by dismissing the concerns of Trump voters. We need to address them, and address them honestly.

[Crandar]

I told you Donald was going to win. People are too shy to admit they like Nazism in a phone conversation and it is really awkward that the poll companies have not yet grasped that simple fact. Now only if Admiral Kuznetsov purges today the Islamofascists of W. Aleppo in an orgy of red fire, then Charles Lister may finally decide to stop being a waste of oxygen.